Ragged Rock, Mill Bluff State Park (photo: Doug Hemken)
On Feb 22, the Natural Resources Board (NRB), which oversees DNR policy, will consider approving the Central Sand Plains Regional Master Plan. The deadline for submitting comments to the NRB is Wednesday, Feb 15 at 11am (instruction below).
Tell the NRB they need to INCLUDE climbing in DNR property Master Planning
The NRB should not approve the proposed Central Sand Plains Regional Master Plan without any review of climbing areas in the region, including Castle Mound (Black River Forest), Rattlesnake Mound (Quincy Bluff), and Mill Bluff State Park.
The NRB enacted a policy on rock climbing in 2000. It says “Rock climbing should be considered in master planning for department properties which contain areas where rock climbing may occur.” (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 1.33).
Although climbers dutifully provided public input on a draft of this plan, no effort was made to address a single one of these comments. These are all areas which were closed to climbing in 2000 without any actual review of the impact of climbing at any property. No review was made for the currently proposed Master Plan.
When the NRB approved a ban on climbing in some State Natural Areas in 2000 (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 45.13.1(e)), no criteria were given for deciding where climbing would be banned and where it would be allowed. None of these areas was actually reviewed. We were promised that consideration for reopening these areas would be given in the Master Planning process.
This Regional Master Plan should not be approved.
Furthermore, this process is not working for either climbers or for the DNR. The ban on climbing in State Natural Areas, which has not had any measurable benefit for these areas in over 20 years, should be rescinded.
How to submit comments on NRB agenda items
When registering to testify or submitting a written comment, please provide the following information to the Board Liaison (dnrnrbliaison@wisconsin.gov):
Your name.
State that you are "representing self"
Agenda item number 4.B, “Request approval of the Central Sand Plains Regional Master Plan”
and that you oppose it.
City of residence.
Phone number.
Email or mailing address, so the Board Liaison can confirm your registration to testify or reply to your written comment.
(give some reasons - copy or rephrase what’s above)